How to Dry Bananas in the Oven

Melynda Sorrels

About the Author:

Melynda Sorrels

Melynda Sorrels spent 10 years in the military working in different capacities of the medical field, including dental assisting, health services administration, decontamination and urgent medical care. Awarded the National Guardsman‚Äôs Medal for Lifesaving efforts in 2002, Sorrels was also a nominee for a Red Cross Award and a certified EMT-B for four years.

With their sweet taste, distinctive smell and bright yellow color, bananas boast a wide variety of uses from food source to medicinal purposes. "The banana plant, because of its continuous reproduction, is regarded by Hindus as a symbol of fertility and prosperity, and the leaves and fruits are deposited on doorsteps of houses where marriages are taking place," according to University of California Los Angeles economic botany professor Arthur Gibson's course website. Boasting high levels of calcium, potassium and carbohydrates, bananas can be enjoyed raw, cooked and dried.

Save bananas as a quick snack for later by drying them.
(Image: atoss/iStock/Getty Images)

Step 1

Peel the bananas, setting aside those that are overripe and mushy or badly bruised.

Step 2

Cut away minor bruises and imperfections from the bananas with a small knife.

Step 3

Slice the bananas horizontally into 1/8-inch slices.

Step 4

Soak the banana slices for 10 minutes in an anti-darkening solution such as ascorbic acid or citrus juice such as lemon, pineapple or orange.

Step 5

Remove the bananas from the liquid with a slotted spoon and arrange them on a large baking sheet. Organize the slices in a single layer.

Step 6

Set the baking sheet in the oven set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and leave the door propped open at least 2 to 4 inches.

Step 7

Place a fan outside the oven door to assist with air circulation.

Step 8

Leave the bananas in the oven for 8 to 10 hours. Check on the oven temperature with an oven thermometer every two hours to ensure that the temperature is between 140 and 150 F.

Step 9

Check the bananas after eight hours for consistency and texture. Take bananas out when they are leathery or keep them in longer to reach a brittle texture. The bananas should produce no moisture when squeezed.

Things You'll Need

Small knife

Ascorbic acid or citrus juice

Baking sheet

Fan

Oven thermometer

Tip

Store the dried bananas at room temperature in an airtight container labeled with the current date. Bananas dried to a leathery consistency can be stored for a month, whereas bananas dried to a brittle consistency can be stored for up to a year.